Bruins: Anders Bjork could contribute as a rookie

All right, so Anders Bjork actually went to France in May to play some high-level hockey, but he was also looking for help with a decision: Stay in school, or turn pro?

“I was lucky to have that opportunity,” said Bjork, who turned down the chance to leave the University of Notre Dame for the final two weeks of the Bruins’ regular 2016-17 regular season, but accepted USA Hockey’s invitation to compete in the IIHF World Championships in Cologne and Paris. “I think it was really good for me to have some time to think there, play a little hockey, be surrounded by pro guys and hear their advice and their thoughts, their path, stuff like that.

“I think that experience definitely helped me come to a complete decision, be 100 percent with it. When I went over there, I had no idea what I was doing.”

Less than two weeks later, Bjork had heard enough to sign a three-year, entry level deal with the B’s, and say goodbye to Notre Dame’s hockey program after three increasingly productive seasons. On Saturday morning at Warrior Arena, the fifth-round draft pick from 2014 (No. 146 overall) made his first appearance at this year’s Development Camp, and left a distinct, positive impression.

“He was obviously noticeable, his skill level,” said Player Development Coordinator Jamie Langenbrunner, who gave prospects some scrimmage time after devoting much of Days 1 and 2 to drills. “He plays at a pretty high pace — he’s a good skater, light on his feet. And he made some plays. He can shoot the puck. Those were a couple nice goals he scored.”

Bjork, who turns 21 on Aug. 5, scored 21 such goals for the Irish this past season — two more than he’d scored over his freshman and sophomore seasons. His 52 points in 39 games helped Notre Dame reach the NCAA Frozen Four, and put him among the finalists for the Hobey Baker Award as the nation’s top college player.

The 6-foot, 181-pound winger’s next mission is to establish himself as of the best dozen or so forwards in the Bruins’ training camp in September, which he knows might not happen.

“I know, especially as a younger player, it might take time. I understand that,” Bjork said. “But I’m excited to see where I’m at compared to (NHL) guys. Obviously, there’s a ton of great players, especially great forwards, here in Boston. It’ll be an exciting experience for me.”

Bjork won’t be the only rookie candidate for a job with the 2017-18 Bruins, but he’s seen as a front-runner for a variety of reasons. He has outstanding speed, can play on either side of the ice, and comes from a program that requires all to play a 200-foot game.

“Learning some defensive things and focusing on that under Coach (Jeff) Jackson was really helpful,” said Bjork, who dreamed of playing at Notre Dame while grow up outside Milwaukee. “It helped me a lot. I think it helped me mature as a player … really helped my development.”

It shows.

“The toughest thing” for young forwards to grasp as they strive to reach the NHL, Langenbrunner said, “is how much your details have to be dialed in. In college, junior, especially the offensive players … if the details aren’t perfect, you don’t get punished for it. In pro hockey, if you do that, the puck ends up in your net.

“(Bjork’s) details are pretty solid. They’re going to have to come to another level, to be consistent, in the NHL, but he’s a smart, skilled player. I think he’ll grasp it pretty quick.”

Bjork has already grasped the concept that there are jobs on the wings to be won in Boston. Otherwise, he’d have stayed in school to complete his Marketing degree, instead of taking online classes “because I sort of promised my mom.”

“(General manager) Don Sweeney told me there’s a good opportunity here, especially for wingers,” he said. “I’ve tried to use that as inspiration this summer to get stronger, work on my weaknesses … because it’s every hockey player’s dream to play in the NHL.

“The fact that there’s a pretty good opportunity ahead of me is real exciting.”